About Santa Cruz Surf Travel
Situated in the heart of the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, Santa Cruz is rich with both surf and culture, making it an ideal destination for the surfer that’s after an experience and not just a good day waves. To the north you’ll find Playa Hermosa, one of the busier surf zones in Costa Rica. Further south, spots like Tamarindo, Playa Negra and Playa Azul offer a little more variety with less hustle and bustle. In 2012, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit Santa Cruz and destroyed many of the area’s buildings, but reconstruction was quick to begin and it has since bounced back as a popular destination for tourists, travelers and surfers alike. Not necessarily a “surf town” per say, Santa Cruz is one of the cultural hubs of the Guanacaste region, second only to Liberia. Rich in Costa Rican folklore and tradition, it also hosts some pretty incredible rodeos and bullfights if you’re looking for some fun when the swell drops.
Surf Crowds
Nearby surf spots are about a 15 to 20-minute drive from Santa Cruz. More recognizable breaks like Playa Hermosa and Tamarindo tend to get pretty busy and the crowds may make you wonder why you didn’t just stay home, obviously exploring further afield offers more rewards.
Surf Hazards
Mosquitoes love surfers, especially the ones that don’t wear shirts at dusk. Saltwater crocs and stingrays may also be present in the area. You’re right on the edge of the jungle here, so expect to encounter a variety of curious creatures.
Surf Pollution
Tropical and lush, Santa Cruz is on the edge of the Costa Rican rainforest and the area is remarkably pristine and alive. The biggest concern when it comes to ocean pollution around Santa Cruz, like anywhere in the world, is to try and avoid river or creek mouths after periods of heavy rain and urban runoff.
Best Surf Seasons in Santa Cruz
1) Summer
(June-August) The most consistent surf comes from the southwest Pacific between late May and August. What swell makes it through the mouth of the bay is generally soft and closed out with the rare pick-and-choose corner if you’re lucky. Playa Carillo to the south and Isla Chira offshore are alternatives that are worth a look when the swell’s up. Mornings are often offshore and glassy, and afternoon rain showers dampen the dust and turn the landscape green. With a number of surf schools in the area expect to run into Americans on summer break from school or work.
2) Fall
(September-November) South swells come less frequently but pack more juice, arriving every other week from September to November. The rains now arrive in the morning, making for onshore winds and choppy surf, but they also thin out the lineups. Prices for rooms and rentals are cheapest during these months.
3) Spring
(March-May) From March to early May the cycle is complete as the winds back off and the southern Pacific comes back to life. The first infrequent major swells arrive right around the new moon.
4) Winter
(December-February) When the rains fade, the “Papagayo” winds arrive, bringing back offshore conditions between December and February and keeping the land rain-free. The south swells are gone and only the bigger northwest swells push the waves to more than head high, so the crowds amass at the better-breaking spots. This is also the priciest time of the year to travel, largely because of the religious festivals honoring Santo Cristo de Esquipulas.
Directions to Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is only a 30-minute drive from the Daniel Oduber International Airport, which makes getting into an out of the area a snap. From the city limits it’s about 15 or 20 minutes to the coast.